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Judgment Notwithstanding Verdict
A judgment notwithstanding verdict is a court decision that overrules a jury's verdict because no reasonable jury could have reached that conclusion based on the evidence presented at trial.
What it actually is
This motion, typically filed after a jury has returned a verdict but before the final judgment is entered, asks the judge to set aside the jury's decision and enter a different outcome as a matter of law. It appears in the trial phase after the jury has spoken, when one party argues that the evidence was legally insufficient to support the verdict, so the judge must step in to correct a clear legal error.
Why it matters in your case
If you are a party in a trial, this motion gives you a chance to prevent a verdict that is clearly unsupported by the evidence from becoming a final judgment, potentially saving you from an unjust outcome. It matters because it forces the judge to review the legal sufficiency of the evidence, and if granted, the judge essentially replaces the jury's decision with their own legal conclusion.
The common misunderstanding
Many people mistakenly think this allows a judge to simply disagree with the jury or substitute their own opinion about the facts. In reality, a judge can only grant it if the evidence, viewed in the light most favorable to the non-moving party, is so weak that no reasonable jury could have reached that verdict.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.